ovvio
/ˈɔv.vjo/
The English phrase 'obvious' can be translated into Italian as ovvio. Wiktionary also lists evidente.
Meaning: easily discovered or understood, self-explanatory (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| ovvio | /ˈɔv.vjo/ |
| evidente | /e.viˈdɛn.te/ |
Both ovvio and evidente are used to describe something that is easily discovered, understood or self-explanatory. You may use the phrase È ovvio! as an interjection to indicate that something is a matter of course, or to express slight impatience with a question.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean 'obvious', ovvio is more common in everyday speech. In contrast, evidente often implies that something is clearly visible or demonstrably certain.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, ovvio must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use ovvia for the feminine singular, and use ovvi or ovvie for plural forms.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈɔv.vjo/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word ovvio comes from the Latin obvius, which originally described someone who was 'in the way' or encountered by chance on a road.
- While ovvio is common, Italians often use the phrase va da sé to say something is obvious, which literally means 'it goes by itself'.
- Using ovvio too frequently in a conversation can be perceived as condescending, as it implies the other person is stating the redundant.
Examples in context
- È ovvio a tutti.It's obvious to everyone.This sentence shows how to use ovvio to describe something clear to everyone.Tatoeba #8808963 by Guybrush88, translation #8808884 by sundown
- Beh, è ovvio ora.Well, it's obvious now.This sentence demonstrates the use of ovvio in a temporal context.Tatoeba #6763402 by Guybrush88, translation #3737022 by CK
- Penso che sia ovvio.I think it's obvious.This sentence shows how to express a thought using ovvio.Tatoeba #5951067 by Guybrush88, translation #5652571 by CK
- È ovviamente il miglior candidato per il lavoro.He is obviously the best candidate for the job.
- È chiaro che hai collaborato molto su questo progetto.It is clear that you have collaborated a lot on this project.
- Risulta evidente che la tua dedizione al lavoro è straordinaria.It is evident that your dedication to work is extraordinary.
- Non c'è bisogno di dirlo, il tuo talento è evidente.There's no need to say it, your talent is obvious.
- È ovvio che lui si prenderà il merito per il nostro lavoro.It's obvious that he will take credit for our work.
- È chiaro che il film non ti è piaciuto affatto.It's clear that you didn't like the movie at all.
- 146 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are discussing a simple puzzle.
- MartinaNon trovi la soluzione?Can't you find the solution?
- FrancescoNo, non è affatto ovvio.No, it is not obvious at all.
- MartinaGuarda bene, il trucco è ovvio.Look closely, the trick is obvious.
- FrancescoHai ragione, Martina, ora lo vedo.You are right, Martina, I see it now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obvious” translations and entries ovvio, evidente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries evidente, ovvio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
